Rana plaza anniversary: some changes in garment industry, but not enough

CHRIS UHLMANN: On this day last year the Rana Plaza in Bangladesh collapsed, killing more than a thousand people. The disaster wasn't the first of its type, but the widespread coverage sparked unprecedented concern over factory conditions and while companies and consumers are changing their behaviour, victim compensation remains low.

James Oaten reports.

JAMES OATEN: Shathi Akhter was working on the seventh floor of the Rana Plaza when the building collapsed. While she was lucky to survive, she spent 12 hours trapped in the rubble, pinned under a metal beam.

SHATHI AKHTER (translated): It was really painful to be trapped inside. I was feeling a lot of pain. It was extremely hot inside, with very little air to breathe. I thought I wouldn't make it out alive.

JAMES OATEN: Ms Akhter, her husband and father all worked at the Rana Plaza. The disaster prompted the family to move away and open a food store, but life remains difficult.

SHATHI AKHTER (translated): I can't do anything properly now. I have difficulties walking. I feel really helpless. People make fun of me because of my disability. I feel really sad when they mock me. They say I'm good for nothing.

JAMES OATEN: Since the disaster, unions, activists and non-government organisations have campaigned to improve safety standards in Bangladesh and they're calling on consumers to buy ethically.

The movement has had some success. Notably, the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Safety was created, which spells out independent safety standards.

Advocacy groups are also focusing on compensation. The Rana Plaza Donors Trust Fund has been charged with raising money. It's calling for $US40 million to compensate victims of the factory collapse and their families, but so far, only $15 million has been raised. The Rana Plaza Trust wants donations from all major Bangladesh manufacturers, saying it's an industry-wide problem.

Clean Clothes continues to name and shame companies that it says have paid inadequate compensation.

Emma Harbour again:

EMMA HARBOUR: If you look at just the brands that were sourcing from Rana Plaza their combined annual profits in the year Rana Plaza happened were well in excess of $US22 billion.

CHRIS UHLMANN: Emma Harbour, from the ethical manufacturing group Clean Clothes ending that report by James Oaten.

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